Understanding How State Environmental Rights Amendments May Help Protect the Bay

Environmental rights provisions in state constitutions have previously provided few advocacy tools to protect the Chesapeake Bay. A recent Pennsylvania court case has significantly expanded the scope of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment and will likely have far reaching impacts on environmental protection. Pennsylvania’s state government now has a clear constitutional mandate to act to protect the environment. Environmental groups will also potentially have new tools to further water quality protection. This presentation will review Bay state’s environmental rights amendments and explore what the recent Pennsylvania court decision means for preserving and protecting environmental resources in Pennsylvania and throughout the watershed.